Jack McVea
John Vivian McVea, also known as Jack McVea, born on November 5, 1914, in Los
Angeles, California, was an American swing, blues, and rhythm-and-blues woodwind
player and bandleader. He started playing banjo before joining Lionel Hampton's
orchestra in 1940. From 1944 onward, he led his own bands and performed at
notable events like the first Jazz at the Philharmonic concert in 1944. McVea is
best known for creating the musical riff for "Open the Door, Richard", recorded
in 1946. He also contributed to T-Bone Walker's "Call It Stormy Monday (But
Tuesday is Just as Bad)" and sessio...
